Here’s what went down Thursday on G&A…

One Decision…the Phils jumped out to a 1-0 World Series lead Wednesday behind the left arm of Cliff Lee.  Now Philly skipper Charlie Manuel has a decision to make:  pitch Lee on just three days rest or keep him on his normal schedule, but likely only throw him twice in the seven-game series.  Lee has never thrown on short rest, unlike C.C. Sabathia, whom Lee beat in Game 1.  Ash knows Lee is in a zone right now and shouldn’t be affected by short rest.  Gambo knows Lee’s long season (265 innings to this point) could play into Manuel’s decision.

Starting with a Win…the Suns got a two-point win over the Clippers at Staples Center behind the 4th-quarter leadership of Steve Nash, who stepped up with 15 in the quarter, including the game-winner with just over five seconds to play.  Gambo says it’s always nice to win on the road, especially without Jason Richardson who is serving his two-game suspension.  Ash was anything but impressed with Amare Stoudemire, who finished with 17 points, but committed six turnovers.  Both concur the new-look Suns have a lot to work to do, especially defensively as the lowly Clippers shot 56% from the field.

Role Reversal…in the past, the Suns had relied of their strong starting five to carry them in games.  This season has seen a change, at least in the first game Wednesday against the Clippers.  Alvin Gentry’s bench stepped up and kept the team afloat after the first-team struggled defending the Clippers in transition.  Both feel forwards Lou Amundson and Jared Dudley will see more time this year, especially with defensive liabilities Stoudemire and Channing Frye.

We were joined by NBC Sunday Night Football analyst CHIRS COLLINSWORTH who called the Cards big win over the Giants last weekend.  Collinsworth apologized for calling the Cards “the worst playoff team in NFL history” before last year’s Super Bowl run.  He also discussed Vince Young being named the starter for the Titans on Thursday.

Apology Accepted?…NFL Sunday Night Football analyst Cris Collinsworth apologized for calling the Cardinals “the worst playoff team in NFL history” during an interview with Gambo & Ash on Thursday afternoon.  Collinsworth somewhat defended his comments citing he called last year’s Cards-Eagles blowout in Philly and watched the Red Birds late-season blowout at New England and home to the Vikings.  Gambo feels Collinsworth is a standup guy for “taking his medicine” and admitting he was wrong.  Mark feels, regardless of the comments/apology, the Cards had the last-laugh making the Super Bowl and staking their claim as a legit contender under well-respected Ken Whisenhunt.

Amare Idol…Amare Stoudemire is entering the final year of his contract with the Suns and Gambo & Ash are going to track Amare’s game-by-game stats and decide after each if he’s worthy of being a “max player” here in Phoenix.  After each game, Gambo, Ash and the Commissioner Dave Burns will “judge” Amare’s play and decide if he is worthy of Robert Sarver investing millions in this summer.  After Thursday’s performance, STAT received failing grades for his 16-point, 6-rebound, 6-turnover effort against the Clips.

We caught up with Cards Pro-Bowl safety and NFC Defensive Player of the Week ADRIAN WILSON who broke down his big game against the Giants which included an interception, a fumble recovery and two tackles for loss in the upset win in New York.  A-Dub said he hasn’t forgotten what Cris Collinsworth said before the playoffs last year and expressed the Red Birds expect to win every time they take the field, regardless of who/where they’re playing.  The Red Birds host the Panthers Sunday afternoon in Glendale.

Ash is off on Football Friday.  The Commissioner Dave Burns will be filling in.

ESPN NFL analyst Mark Schlereth will join us at 5:25.

 

 Chris Collinsworth [12:47m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (21)

 

 Adrian Wilson [10:31m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (16)